Multiple search-and-rescue efforts underway for six people missing across the Kimberley

Police in Western Australia’s far north have launched multiple search-and-rescue efforts this morning after three groups of people were reported missing.

In Kununurra, police are searching for a man in his 40s, a woman in her 20s and a teenaged girl, who failed to return from a boat trip launched from Celebrity Tree Park in the town early on Sunday.

The group were reported missing about 8:10pm yesterday.

Their vehicle and boat trailer remained parked at the popular recreation spot last night, police said.

“The fact they had not returned by nightfall was out of character,” a police spokesperson said.

State Emergency volunteers deployed a vessel to search the area last night, but were forced to return to shore, with the search effort to resume this morning.

Swimmer missing in Fitzroy Crossing

Meanwhile, in the central Kimberley, a swimmer was reported missing about 4:15pm yesterday.

Police said 20-year-old Stanley James Hester entered the Fitzroy River about 3:30pm near the Fitzroy River Lodge.

He was with two other people at the time, but his current whereabouts are unknown.

Fitzroy Crossing Police began a land, air and river search yesterday, but were unable to locate the man.

The ground search is continuing this morning.

Missing hikers rescued

The news was more positive for a pair of hikers missing in Mirima National Park on the outskirts of Kununurra, who were rescued this morning.

The pair were stranded by floodwaters, and made contact with police about 6:40pm last night.

Kununurra Police attempted a rescue, but were forced back by floodwaters, with the hikers forced to remain in place overnight.

They were rescued this morning by a local helicopter and are likely to be treated by paramedics once they have safely returned to Kununurra.